Canada’s Icefields Parkway runs 144 miles through the Rocky Mountains of Alberta. At its southern end is the picturesque Lake Louise while its northern tip is marked by the idyllic town of Jasper (no prizes for guessing why I’m particularly fond of this mountain oasis).
Bow Lake
Somewhere in Banff National Park
Our monster
Me at the Athabasca Glacier (the light is a bit funky, but I swear I really am there, not Photoshopped in!)
View of the Icefields Parkway from the snout of the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield
Equally dramatic somewhere in Jasper National Park
Sunwapta Falls
Sunset on Pyramid Lake, Jasper
Your constant travelling companions along the highway are the stark peaks of the Rocky Mountains, of course. But you’ll also see rushing rivers, peaceful lakes, ancient glaciers, tumbling waterfalls, and if you’re lucky, a critter or two.
Pyramid Lake and Mountain in the early morning
The entire length of the Icefields Parkway lies within two of Canada’s most dramatic and photogenic national parks, Banff in the south and Jasper (there’s that name again!) in the north. Together, these make up a sizeable part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s easy to see where Big Bend gets his name
The multiple waterfalls of the Weeping Wall
One of the Weeping Wall falls
So jump in the car and head west, for what has been voted one of the most beautiful drives in the World.
A Grizzly Bear not far from Lake Louise
Chipmunk at Sunwapta Falls
Big horn sheep disrupting traffic
And again!
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This post was inspired by the photo themes of Diagonal Line(s) from Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge, Peaks from Patrick’s Pix To Words, Stark from Debbie’s Travel With Intent, and Layers from Jenn’s Traveling at Wits End.
You always take us on a great adventure. Your photos (and diagonals) are so very beautiful and scenic. 😀
In the post I encourage readers to head west, Cee, but you’d need to go east, of course!
Brings back memories. It is a treat to drive to the Columbia Icefields, Banff and Jasper. Did not see a Grizzly though
We saw a pair of them around dusk. Cleared up any lingering uncertainty that we wouldn’t be able to tell them from black bears!
Gorgeous photos!☀️
Thanks, Lana!
Your very welcome!☀️
As I mentioned over on my blog, thanks for taking me on a journey through Banff and Jasper with relatively clear skies! =) That’s a spectacular trip, well documented. =)
I hope it won’t be the last time I travel this spectacular stretch of road!
=) Me too!
Though, that little bit about “so much planet, so little time” kicks in when I’m contemplating, “hmmm, should I go here, where I’ve already been, or there, where I’ve never been and it looks like nowhere I’ve ever been?”
I tend to go for the “ain’t been there before” option. <smile>
I feel for your dilemma, Patrick!
All true explorers do. 😉
So much to take in. Wonderful 🙂
Thanks!
I thoroughly enjoyed going on this stark trail with you Jaspa
I’m so glad, Debbie!
These snaps of yours are indeed majestic 🙂
Thanks Hammad!
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What a wonderful part of the world to travel through. Those mountains are staggeringly beautiful.
They certainly are, Suzanne.
There is so much that is beautiful in our planet. Thank you for sharing